Portable desk and computer support

BACKGROUND AND TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to portable work surfaces, and in particular to a portable desk or office device for use in vehicles or other temporary or movable work areas as both a storage medium and a portable laptop computer support and/or a support for a computer peripheral devices such as a printer, speakers, modem, or the like, as well as a writing surface.

People regularly conduct business away from fixed locations such as offices or homes. In such cases, individuals such as salespersons, contractors, and truckers frequently travel using motor vehicles to reach their contacts, work sites or destinations.

Along with reaching remote locations, traveling by motor vehicle enables these individuals to transport many of the items they may need to conduct their business, such as cellular phones, PDA's, documents, files, laptop/portable computers, pens, paperclips, and the like. By having such items in their vehicle, business people are better equipped to efficiently and effectively conduct a broad scope of business without having to make multiple trips between the location of their business contacts and fixed office environments.

However, the glove boxes, center consoles, and door pockets of most motor vehicles are ill equipped to contain the wide array of business and office equipment needed by individuals conducting business “on the road.” As such, the motor vehicles of these individuals can become cluttered, making it hard to find needed items or even resulting in lost items, thereby reducing the efficiency of business people conducting mobile business. Such equipment is also likely to move about the vehicle passenger compartment when the vehicle is driven, making it even more difficult to find specific items. Moreover, searching for items while driving is an unsafe practice that may lead to accidents. Furthermore, in the event of an accident, loose items in the passenger compartment of a vehicle can become dangerous projectiles that may injure the occupants.

Another difficulty with conducting business from a vehicle is that there are inadequate surfaces upon which to write or place a computer. As possible supports for portable computers or writing pads, center vehicle consoles are generally narrow and awkwardly positioned and vehicle seats are low and sloped, forcing uncomfortable access to the pad or computer keyboard. For the vehicle driver, either the computer must be supported on the lap of the driver or in the passenger seat adjacent the driver. When supported on the driver's lap, the computer must rest between his/her abdomen and the vehicle steering wheel with the computer screen pivoted up against the steering wheel. This places the computer in an awkward position overly close to the driver's abdomen making use of the keyboard difficult.

Similarly, when positioned adjacent the driver in the passenger seat, the laptop computer can easily move around. In such position, the driver must completely twist laterally to an awkward position for access to the laptop keyboard which likewise is in a difficult position for use. Prior known portable desks have included work surfaces for supporting laptop or portable computers in movable fashion but have been difficult to use with vehicles including center consoles since the work surfaces could not be positioned near the vehicle driver's seat and also could not effectively position the computer near the driver's seat again causing awkward access. Moreover, the positioning of the supported computer in such prior desks was below another work surface which prevented the convenient positioning of computer peripherals such as a printer near the computer and for easy access by the user. Previously, computer printers were typically positioned in inconvenient or unreachable positions on the vehicle floor or in the rear seat or cargo area of the vehicle preventing their use by the driver without stopping and exiting the vehicle to reach the printer position. As a result, there is a need for supporting a laptop or portable computer in a position sufficiently close to the user and at an appropriate angle to allow convenient use especially when the user is seated in the driver's seat of a vehicle, while allowing the computer to be moved out of the way for safe storage when the user drives the vehicle. Likewise, there is a need for supporting a computer printer or another computer peripheral device for convenient use in conjunction with a computer, especially by a person seated in the driver's seat of a vehicle.

Therefore, a device is needed to contain and organize business and office items used by individuals transacting business from motor vehicles, or other temporary work areas, and to provide an adequate writing or typing surface in the passenger compartment of such vehicles or areas. Further, a convenient and accessible laptop or portable computer support with or without an accompanying computer peripheral device or printer support is needed for rapid and accessible use by a person seated in the driver's seat of a vehicle while also providing convenient storage for the computer in a position that will not hinder vehicle operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a portable desk adapted for use in temporary work areas such as a seat in a vehicle, the portable desk comprising a main body, the main body including a support surface adapted to engage a support such as the vehicle seat to support the main body thereon and a work surface member secured to the main body at a position spaced from the support surface. A first support member is adapted to receive a laptop or portable computer or similar device, the first support member being mounted on the work surface at a first position for access by a person seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle for use of the laptop or portable computer or similar device when the computer or similar device is mounted on the first support member and the portable desk is mounted in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. A second support member is adapted to receive a computer peripheral device, the second support member being secured to the work surface at a position spaced from the first support member for access to the computer peripheral device by a person seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle when the computer printer or similar device is mounted on the second support member and the portable desk is mounted on the front passenger seat of the vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the portable desk includes a opening in the work surface member, the opening extending between first and second positions and the support member mounted for movement along the opening. Preferably, the opening is a slot extending toward and away from the vehicle driver when the portable desk is mounted on the front passenger seat of the vehicle. In more preferred versions, the slot is curved such that the support member and any laptop or portable computer mounted thereon will move toward the side and back of the vehicle driver's seat when the support member is moved along the slot from the second position to the first position.

In yet other aspects of the invention, the work surface is positioned at the top surface of the main body while the work surface extends outwardly beyond the side of the main body that faces the vehicle driver and has an edge adjacent the vehicle driver. Preferably, the work surface extends above the center console of the vehicle when the desk is positioned in the front passenger seat to extend close to the vehicle driver. Further, the first position of the opening or slot is positioned adjacent the edge and spaced outwardly from the side of the main body.

In yet other aspects, the first support member includes a securing device, preferably an adjustable strap, for holding the laptop or portable computer thereon. Likewise, the second support member may include a securing device, preferably also an adjustable strap, for holding a computer printer thereon. One or both of the first and second support members may be secured to the work surface by a swivel or pivot for ease in access and use of the supported computer or printer.

In a further aspect of the invention, a portable desk for use in temporary work areas such as a seat in a vehicle comprises a main body, the main body having a support surface adapted to engage a support such as the vehicle seat to support the main body thereon and a top surface spaced above the support surface. A work surface member is secured to the main body at the top surface. A support member adapted to receive a laptop or portable computer or similar device is mounted on the work surface member for movement between first and second positions, the first position being closer to the vehicle driver than the second position when the portable desk is mounted in the front passenger seat of the vehicle, the first position allowing access by the vehicle driver for use of the laptop or portable computer when mounted on the support member.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a portable desk is adapted for use in temporary work areas such as a seat in a vehicle and comprises a main body, the main body including a support surface adapted to engage a support such as the vehicle seat to support the main body thereon and a top surface spaced above the support surface. A work surface member is secured to the main body at the top surface. A first support member is adapted to receive a laptop or portable computer or similar device, the first support member being mounted on the work surface member for movement between a first and second position, the first position being closer to the vehicle driver than the second position when the portable desk is mounted in the front passenger seat of the vehicle to allow access by a person seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle for use of the laptop or portable computer or similar device. A second support member is included and is adapted to receive a computer peripheral device, the second support member being secured to the work surface member at a position spaced from the first support member for access to the computer peripheral device by a person seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle when the computer printer or similar device is mounted on the second support member and the portable desk is mounted in the front passenger seat of the vehicle.

In yet other aspects of the invention, the portable desk comprises a generally cubical main body with a receptacle beneath the work surface member, the receptacle allowing access to the mechanism for adjusting the position of the first support member and portable computer and adapted to removably receive and store items for use by a user of the portable desk. The desk may also include additional storage areas for vertical files and the like.

Accordingly, the present invention provides numerous advantages over prior known computer supports and work surfaces for vehicles. The work surface of the present invention is properly positioned for support of the laptop or portable computer and an adjacent computer peripheral device such as a printer for easy access by the person seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle when the portable desk is positioned in the front vehicle passenger seat. The computer may be moved to a position close to the person in the vehicle driver seat and above any center console and to a position away from the user for secure storage when use is not desired. Both the laptop or portable computer and a computer peripheral device such as a computer printer can be mounted adjacent one another on the work surface such that any connecting cables or wires are easily managed thereby avoiding the need to thread wires through any support structure. In addition, the portable desk provides additional storage areas for other items useful in a mobile office environment or with the computer. The invention prevents the need for supporting a laptop or portable computer directly on the person seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle, allows the driver of the vehicle full access to the vehicle controls including the steering wheel without hindrance from the supported computer, allows the computer position to be easily adjusted for the convenience of the user, supports computer peripherals such as a printer in a convenient position adjacent the computer for ease of connection between the computer and the peripheral, and provides additional storage space for other office items, files and the like. Further, the portable desk includes securing devices for holding a computer and/or computer printer in position as desired.

These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of the invention will become more apparent from a study of the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of the interior of a typical passenger vehicle including the portable desk of the present invention supported in the front passenger's seat with a laptop or portable computer and a computer printer mounted on the desk for access by a person seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a perspective view of the portable desk of the present invention taken from the side of the desk adapted to face a user when seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle and showing the computer support secured to the work surface of the portable desk;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an exploded perspective view of the portable desk of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> showing the top work surface, computer support member and a laptop or portable computer to be positioned on the computer support member;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> is a sectional view of the swivel joint securing the computer support member to the work surface taken along plane IIIA-IIIA of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a perspective view of an optional computer printer support member mounted on a universal pivot support for use with the portable desk of the present invention;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a perspective view of a computer printer secured to the computer printer support member and universal pivot support of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> when mounted on the work surface of the portable desk of the present invention;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a perspective view of the universal pivot support for use with the computer printer support member shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref>; and

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> is a fragmentary, sectional side elevation of the upper portion of the universal pivot support for the computer printer support member taken along plane VIA-VIA of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is embodied in a portable desk or office device. In particular, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is intended to be placed on a seat in a vehicle and thereby provide a convenient work area for individuals conducting business in a mobile setting.

A preferred, embodiment of the present invention is shown in the drawings as portable desk <b>20</b>. Portable desk <b>20</b> has a generally rectangular or cubical main body <b>22</b> that includes a work surface member <b>24</b> and a plurality of compartments or receptacles, such as horizontal compartment <b>26</b> below the work surface member, and a series of vertical compartments <b>28</b>, <b>30</b>, <b>32</b>, and <b>34</b> adjacent the rear edge of work surface <b>24</b>. Work surface member <b>24</b> comprises a generally planar member secured in a fixed position adjacent to and flush with the top or uppermost surface of main body <b>22</b>. Work surface <b>24</b> is adapted to receive a computer support <b>80</b> which can be adjustably secured in a series of positions along the work surface member as desired by the user when a laptop or portable computer <b>12</b> is secured to the support. Likewise, work surface <b>24</b> receives and secures a support <b>110</b> for a computer peripheral device such as computer printer <b>14</b> in a convenient position adjacent the computer <b>12</b> for access by the user of the portable desk such as a person seated in the left-hand or driver's seat <b>15</b> when the portable desk <b>20</b> is secured in the right-hand or front passenger seat <b>18</b> of the vehicle <b>10</b>. Work surface member <b>24</b> is adapted to extend over the center console <b>17</b> such that computer <b>12</b> may be moved toward the side and back <b>16</b> of driver's seat <b>15</b>. Likewise, portable desk <b>20</b> is adapted to be received against seat back <b>19</b> of the front passenger seat <b>18</b> and secured via seatbelt <b>19</b><i>a </i>as will be more fully described below. Of course, for vehicles in which the driver is seated in the right-hand front seat, the arrangement of work surface member <b>24</b>, compartment or receptacle <b>26</b>, computer support <b>80</b> and computer peripheral support <b>110</b> can be reversed, i.e., in a mirror image of desk <b>20</b>.

As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, portable desk <b>20</b> is adapted to be secured to a seat such as the front passenger seat <b>18</b> of a vehicle <b>10</b> by use of a seatbelt <b>19</b><i>a</i>. When installed on the vehicle seat <b>18</b> in this manner, with its back or rear surface <b>36</b> engaging the seat back <b>19</b>, portable desk <b>20</b> provides a convenient location to store items such as folders, cellular phones, pens, laptop computers, peripheral items such as a computer printer, and the like. When needed for typing or writing, work surface member <b>24</b> provides a convenient area on which to support a writing pad as well as laptop or portable computer <b>12</b> and a computer printer <b>14</b>. Rear or back surface <b>36</b> contacts seat back <b>19</b> such that the desk <b>20</b> is forwardly positioned within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Seatbelt <b>19</b><i>a </i>for seat <b>18</b> is adapted to be received in upwardly opening slot <b>38</b> which extends from side to side across desk <b>20</b> as is best seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>. When seatbelt <b>19</b><i>a </i>is tightened via its buckle and fastening apparatus, desk <b>20</b> is held downwardly and rearwardly into the corner of the seat between seat back <b>19</b> and the bottom <b>18</b><i>a </i>of seat <b>18</b> to prevent movement out of the seat during movement of the car.

In addition to back <b>36</b>, desk <b>20</b> includes side surfaces <b>40</b> and <b>42</b> with side <b>40</b> adapted to face the position of the driver's seat <b>15</b> of vehicle <b>10</b>, and a front surface <b>44</b>. Desk <b>20</b> also includes a sloped or angled bottom surface <b>46</b> such that rear surface <b>36</b> is longer or taller than front surface <b>44</b> and wherein the slope of bottom <b>46</b> generally conforms to the angle of vehicle seat bottom <b>18</b><i>a</i>. Therefore, when angled bottom <b>46</b> of portable desk <b>20</b> is installed on a vehicle seat bottom <b>18</b><i>a</i>, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, work surface member <b>24</b> is kept in a substantially horizontal orientation. Further, desk <b>20</b> includes a top surface <b>48</b> defining the upper end or edge of opening or receptacle <b>26</b> formed within desk <b>20</b>. Desk <b>20</b> also includes a series of successively smaller and concentric shoulders or ledges <b>50</b>, <b>52</b> and <b>54</b> extending around three sides of receptacle <b>26</b>, the uppermost of which shoulder <b>50</b> receives work surface member <b>24</b>. Shoulder <b>50</b> has a depth substantially the same as the thickness of work surface member <b>24</b> such that, when received, fixed and secured within shoulder <b>50</b>, the top surface of the work surface member <b>24</b> is substantially flush with the top surface or rim of desk <b>48</b> as will be understood from <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>.

Immediately adjacent and spaced between slot <b>38</b> and rear surface <b>36</b> are vertical, open-topped receptacles <b>28</b>, <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> and <b>34</b>. Receptacle <b>28</b> is substantially rectangular and, in a preferred embodiment, has a depth sufficient to receive the full length and depth of 8½ by 11 inch hanging file folders F (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) such that the hangers for which extend over the side edges of receptacle <b>28</b> as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. In addition, immediately adjacent rectangular receptacle <b>28</b> are a series of shallower, smaller receptacles <b>30</b>, <b>32</b>, and <b>34</b> for receiving miscellaneous items such as paper clips, staple pullers, erasers and other items useful in a mobile office. Receptacle <b>26</b> is defined by the inside surface of front <b>44</b>, the inside surface of side <b>42</b> and a vertical wall <b>56</b> extending downwardly from shoulder <b>54</b> as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>. Compartment or receptacle <b>26</b> thus opens through side <b>40</b> in a direction facing the driver's seat <b>15</b> of vehicle <b>10</b> when desk <b>20</b> is secured within the front passenger seat <b>18</b> as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Receptacle <b>26</b> has a substantially planar bottom surface extending generally parallel to bottom <b>46</b> and is adapted to receive and confine therewithin larger items such as staplers, cellular telephones, telephone or computer charging apparatus, a laptop computer <b>12</b> or printer <b>14</b> when removed from support <b>80</b> or <b>110</b>, hole punching devices, or other office equipment without allowing the same to move throughout the vehicle cabin when the vehicle is in motion. In the preferred embodiment, desk <b>20</b> is preferably constructed of a molded polymeric material such as polyethylene but may also be constructed of any other strong, rigid material capable of including the features described above. Although work surface member <b>24</b> is different as described below, the remainder of desk <b>20</b> is substantially similar to, and may include the features of, the portable desk described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/098,155, filed Apr. 4, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,455,204, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference herein. Likewise, the features shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/542,899, filed Oct. 4, 2006, now abandoned, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, including the foldable, retractable support legs, may also be used in the present invention.

As will also be seen from <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>, work surface member <b>24</b> is a substantially planar member constructed of a material such as medium density fiberboard (MDF) and optionally including a non-slip coating or pad on the top surface thereof, if desired. Work surface member <b>24</b> includes generally parallel front and rear edges <b>60</b>, <b>62</b> which themselves are generally parallel to securing slot <b>38</b> and receptacle <b>28</b> as well as vertical wall <b>56</b>. In addition, work surface member <b>24</b> includes side edge <b>64</b> adjacent side <b>42</b> of desk <b>20</b>. Front and rear edges <b>60</b>, <b>62</b> extend generally at right angles to side edge <b>64</b> and substantially conform to the outline defined by shoulder <b>50</b> and rim or top surface <b>48</b> of desk <b>20</b>. In addition, work surface member <b>24</b> includes an outwardly curved fourth side edge <b>66</b> which extends outwardly in an arc beyond side <b>40</b> and toward the position of seat <b>15</b> in vehicle <b>10</b> when desk <b>20</b> is mounted in the front passenger seat <b>18</b>. Edge <b>66</b> has a substantially continuous curve extending from one end of shoulder <b>50</b> adjacent slot <b>38</b> to a position near one end of front wall <b>44</b>. When desk <b>20</b> is mounted in seat <b>18</b>, with work surface member <b>24</b> secured and received on shoulder <b>50</b>, side edge <b>66</b> defines an area <b>68</b> which extends over top the typical center console <b>17</b> in vehicle <b>10</b> to a position adjacent the position of a person seated in the driver's seat <b>15</b> of vehicle <b>10</b> as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>. Area <b>68</b> is suitable for receipt of a writing pad, if desired, but also allows the positioning of laptop or portable computer <b>12</b> in a position immediately adjacent the person seated in vehicle seat <b>15</b> as described more fully below. Work surface member <b>24</b> also includes a curved slot <b>70</b> extending completely therethrough and having a first end <b>72</b> immediately adjacent edge <b>66</b> in extending area <b>68</b>, as well as a second end <b>74</b> positioned generally in the center of the work surface member. Slot <b>70</b> is adapted to receive and mount a computer support plate or member <b>80</b> which, in the preferred embodiment, has a substantially rectangular shape as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref> as defined by generally parallel front and rear edges <b>82</b><i>a</i>, <b>82</b><i>b </i>and generally parallel side edges <b>84</b><i>a</i>, <b>84</b><i>b</i>. Adjacent each of the side edges <b>84</b><i>a</i>, <b>84</b><i>b </i>is a slot or opening <b>86</b><i>a</i>, <b>86</b><i>b </i>adapted to receive a securing strap <b>88</b> as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>. Strap <b>88</b> is preferably formed from flexible, woven fabric and includes a releasable snap closure <b>90</b> that allows the strap length to be adjusted. Closure <b>90</b> is a commercially available, releasable buckle having molded plastic ends <b>90</b><i>a</i>, <b>90</b><i>b </i>that may be connected to hold the strap ends together, or released by compressing opposed resilient prongs when desired. At least one end is adjustably connected to strap <b>88</b> so that the overall strap length may be adjusted. Strap <b>88</b> may be passed through slots <b>86</b><i>a</i>, <b>86</b><i>b</i>, along the underside of computer support member or plate <b>80</b> and upwardly over and around a laptop or portable computer <b>12</b> and tightened to securely hold the computer to the top surface of plate <b>80</b>. If desired, the top surface of support member <b>80</b> may include non-slip or anti-slip support pads <b>87</b> thereon to help hold computer <b>12</b> when strap <b>88</b> is tightened (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>). Alternately, strap <b>88</b> may include a Velcro® fastening system for adjusting the strap length of the type described below for strap <b>122</b>.

Computer support plate or member <b>80</b> is adapted to be pivotally secured to work surface member <b>24</b> and, more specifically, slot <b>70</b> of work surface member <b>24</b>, by a swivel assembly <b>92</b> best seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 3A</figref>. Swivel assembly <b>92</b> includes an internally threaded sleeve or stud <b>94</b> extending through a circular aperture <b>93</b> in plate <b>80</b>. Sleeve <b>94</b> includes an upper flange or lip <b>96</b> having a diameter larger than the diameter of aperture <b>93</b> and a lower, substantially cylindrical pivot section <b>98</b> also having a diameter larger than aperture <b>93</b> and extending downwardly from the lower surface of plate <b>80</b> into slot <b>70</b>. Cylindrical section <b>98</b> engages the sides of slot <b>70</b> to confine and retain swivel assembly <b>92</b> laterally within the slot while allowing movement along the slot and pivotal rotation of swivel assembly <b>92</b> and plate <b>80</b> at any position along the slot. A central threaded aperture <b>100</b> extends entirely through sleeve <b>94</b> for receipt of a correspondingly threaded stud <b>102</b> projecting out of the upper surface of a resilient handle or knob <b>104</b> which is preferably positioned or molded around the end of stud <b>102</b>. Handle <b>104</b> includes an integral collar <b>106</b> extending upwardly therefrom and having a diameter larger than the width of slot <b>70</b> for engagement with the lower surface of work surface member <b>24</b> when stud <b>102</b> is threadably received and tightened within sleeve <b>94</b>. Such tightening frictionally engages the bottom surface of computer support plate <b>80</b> with the upper surface of work surface member <b>24</b> to hold plate <b>80</b> and the supported computer <b>12</b> in a desired position.

As will now be understood from <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> and <b>3</b>A, adjustment of the position of computer support plate or member <b>80</b> and any laptop or portable computer <b>12</b> secured thereto via strap <b>88</b> is accomplished by inserting one hand in compartment or receptacle <b>26</b> and rotating handle <b>104</b> of swivel assembly <b>92</b> in a clockwise direction as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> thereby loosening threaded stud <b>102</b> in sleeve <b>94</b> and releasing the tight frictional engagement of computer support plate <b>80</b> from the top surface of work surface member <b>24</b>. The combined computer <b>12</b>, support plate <b>80</b> and strap <b>88</b> may then be pivoted about cylindrical pivot section <b>98</b> of sleeve <b>94</b> within slot <b>70</b> to position the keyboard and screen of computer <b>12</b> in the desired direction. Simultaneously, the combined computer, computer support plate and strap may be moved along the length of slot <b>70</b> between first end <b>72</b> adjacent edge <b>66</b> of work surface member <b>24</b> and second end <b>74</b> generally in the middle of the work surface member. Slot <b>70</b> is curved to allow movement of the support plate and computer outwardly through the extending area <b>68</b> of the work surface support member toward edge <b>66</b> and toward the side of seat <b>15</b> and a person seated in driver's seat <b>15</b> of vehicle <b>10</b> as well as toward seat back <b>16</b> of seat <b>15</b>. Plate <b>80</b> may also be pivoted toward the driver such that he may easily reach the keyboard of the computer without twisting or having to assume an awkward or uncomfortable position. Computer <b>12</b> and computer support plate <b>80</b> are closest to seat <b>15</b> and seat back <b>16</b> when at end <b>72</b> of slot <b>70</b>. When moved to the opposite end <b>74</b> of slot <b>70</b>, the combined computer and computer support plate are positioned away from the person seated in seat <b>15</b> and in a storage position leaving a substantial portion of work surface member <b>24</b> and especially section <b>68</b> available for use for writing with a writing pad, a sheet of paper, or the like. When in the desired position, handle <b>104</b> is rotated by hand in a counterclockwise direction to tighten threaded stud <b>102</b> in sleeve <b>94</b> and securely hold the plate <b>80</b> against the top surface of work surface support member <b>24</b> as desired via the frictional engagement of collar <b>106</b> with the bottom surface of work surface member <b>24</b> adjacent slot <b>70</b>, and the bottom surface of support plate <b>80</b> and top surface of work surface member <b>24</b>.

In addition, swivel assembly <b>92</b> allows the combined support plate <b>80</b> and computer <b>12</b> to be swiveled in any direction within slot <b>70</b>. One such direction is to swivel the combination of plate and computer around such that it faces away from the person in seat <b>15</b> and towards side <b>42</b> of the portable desk <b>20</b>. In such position, and especially when the computer is positioned at end <b>74</b> of slot <b>70</b>, the computer keyboard and screen are more easily accessible and usable by a person leaning into the vehicle through the passenger side front window of the vehicle. Hence, on construction sites or in other work areas including temporary work areas where persons are outside the vehicle but need to use computer <b>12</b>, the computer can be positioned for use by a person outside the vehicle gaining access to the computer through one of the vehicle windows, all without moving the portable desk and simply by loosening handle <b>104</b>, moving the plate <b>80</b> and the computer <b>12</b> to the desired position and retightening handle <b>104</b>.

As will now be understood from <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref>, <b>4</b>-<b>6</b> and <b>6</b>A, work surface support member <b>24</b> is also adapted to support a computer peripheral device such as computer printer <b>14</b> on a printer or peripheral device support plate <b>110</b> by means of a universal pivot support assembly <b>130</b>. Peripheral device support plate <b>110</b> is similar to computer support plate <b>80</b> and is preferably molded as a planar plate from a material such as expanded foam PVC. Plate <b>110</b> is preferably rectangular and includes front and rear edges <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> which are generally parallel to one another and generally parallel side edges <b>116</b>, <b>118</b>. Adjacent each side edge <b>116</b> and <b>118</b> is a slot or opening <b>120</b><i>a</i>, <b>120</b><i>b</i>. Openings <b>120</b><i>a</i>, <b>120</b><i>b </i>are adapted to receive a securing strap <b>122</b> similar to strap <b>88</b> but optionally having a different type of closure mechanism including a rigid loop or buckle <b>124</b> through which end <b>126</b> of strap <b>122</b> is received. The underside of end <b>126</b> and the upper surface of strap <b>122</b> may include cooperating hook and loop fasteners <b>127</b> such as Velcro® material for securing the strap together with the desired tension after passing through loop or buckle <b>124</b>. Printer <b>14</b> is adapted to be supported on the top surface <b>111</b> of plate <b>110</b> as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> with strap <b>122</b> passing through slots <b>120</b><i>a</i>, <b>120</b><i>b </i>from the underside of the plate <b>110</b> and over the top of printer <b>14</b> where it is secured and tightened with the desired tension. Top surface <b>111</b> may include non-slip or anti-slip pads such as those shown at <b>87</b> on plate <b>80</b> to hold printer <b>14</b> or another peripheral device when secured thereto.

As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, an alternate releasable snap clip or closure <b>128</b> may be included in strap <b>122</b> similar to closure <b>90</b> in strap <b>88</b> to also allow adjustment of the length of strap <b>122</b> in place of the Velcro® securing closure described above in connection with <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. Computer printer <b>14</b> may then receive paper or printing material on backrest <b>14</b><i>a </i>for passage through the body of the printer in response commands received from computer <b>12</b> via cable <b>14</b><i>b</i>. Alternately, other peripheral devices such as speakers, modems, or the like may also be secured to plate <b>110</b> and connected to computer <b>12</b> by appropriate wiring similar to cable <b>14</b><i>b </i>or printer <b>14</b>. Plate <b>110</b> may also be enlarged to include more than one peripheral device at the same time.

As is best seen <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4</figref>, <b>5</b>, <b>6</b> and <b>6</b>A, printer support plate <b>110</b> is preferably supported on universal pivot assembly <b>130</b> of the type available from National Products Inc. of Seattle, Wash., under the trademark RAM Mount under Part. No. RAP-SB-190U. Universal pivot assembly <b>130</b> includes a base <b>132</b> having an integral, upstanding ball member <b>134</b> over which are received a pair of half cylinder support members <b>136</b>, <b>138</b> held together around ball <b>134</b> by means of a threaded securing bolt <b>140</b>. A flanged nut <b>142</b> having an internally threaded insert is received over the free end of bolt <b>140</b> to tighten the shell members <b>136</b>, <b>138</b> toward one another for frictional engagement with and against ball member <b>134</b>. An upper support member <b>144</b> includes a downwardly projecting collar <b>146</b> supported by in integral connector <b>148</b> having the external shape of a hex nut as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>. The upper end of each shell <b>136</b>, <b>138</b> includes an inwardly projecting flange <b>150</b>, <b>152</b> the free end surface of which has a hexagonal shape matching the exterior shape of connector <b>148</b>. Hence, when shell members <b>136</b>, <b>138</b> are tightened toward one another via bolt <b>140</b> and flange nut <b>142</b>, the hexagonally shaped shoulders <b>150</b>, <b>152</b> engage and confine the hex surfaces of connector <b>148</b> to prevent rotation of support member <b>144</b> with respect to the shell members. Since shell members <b>136</b>, <b>138</b> are tightened against ball member <b>134</b>, no movement is thereafter possible. The printer support plate <b>110</b> is adapted to be secured to the top surface <b>144</b><i>a </i>of support <b>144</b> via fasteners received through openings <b>144</b><i>b</i>. The bottom surface of base <b>132</b> is secured to work surface member <b>24</b> by fasteners received through openings <b>133</b> in base <b>132</b> to position pivot assembly <b>130</b> and plate <b>110</b> as desired on work surface <b>24</b> usually at a distance from plate <b>80</b> and computer <b>12</b> to avoid interference with movement of computer <b>12</b> in and along slot <b>70</b> on swivel assembly <b>92</b>. Thus, by loosening flanged nut <b>142</b>, shell members <b>136</b>, <b>138</b> are loosened from ball member <b>134</b> allowing the pivot support and the printer support plate <b>110</b> secured thereto to be rotated or moved universally about ball member <b>134</b> so as to position the computer peripheral device such as printer <b>14</b> and support plate <b>110</b> horizontally or at an angle or facing in any direction 360 degrees around ball member <b>134</b>. Alternately, support plate <b>110</b> may also be secured to work surface member <b>24</b> with a swivel assembly like assembly <b>92</b> in a second slot <b>160</b> formed (shown in phantom in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>) in a desired direction in work surface member <b>24</b>. Such additional swivel assembly would include a rotatable tightening handle also accessible through receptacle <b>26</b>. Such a mounting would allow plate <b>110</b> to be moved along slot <b>160</b>, swiveled, and secured in position for ease of access in a manner similar to plate <b>80</b>.

Accordingly, it will now be understood that portable desk <b>20</b> is uniquely adapted to support both a portable or laptop computer <b>12</b> and a computer peripheral device such as printer <b>14</b> or a speaker, modem, or other item useful with and/or connected to computer <b>12</b> on the topmost surface thereof on work surface member <b>24</b>. Both computer <b>12</b> and printer <b>14</b> are adjustable for easy access by a person seated in the driver's seat <b>15</b> of vehicle <b>10</b> or alternately in the opposite direction for a person accessing the computer and/or printer through the passenger window of the vehicle. Similarly, desk <b>20</b> can be positioned in one of the rear seats of the vehicle for access by a person seated in the opposite rear seat or through one of the rear windows of the vehicle, assuming the vehicle has a rear seat and rear windows. The portable desk may also be used in other non-vehicle, temporary work areas such as mobile construction offices, construction equipment, or the like. The portable desk is securely retained in the vehicle seat via seatbelt <b>19</b><i>a </i>passing through slot <b>38</b> from side to side across the desk while the computer <b>12</b> and printer <b>14</b> are each secured to their respective support plates via straps <b>88</b> or <b>122</b>. Further, the computer <b>12</b> and support plate <b>80</b> is adjustably positioned via swivel assembly <b>92</b> while printer <b>14</b> and support plate <b>110</b> are pivotally and universally adjustable via universal pivot support <b>130</b>. Other items useful in a mobile office may be stored within desk <b>20</b> in any of the available receptacles <b>26</b>, <b>28</b>, <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> or <b>34</b> such that a complete mobile office is provided in the vehicle or other area with portable desk <b>20</b>.

While several forms of the invention have been shown and described, other forms will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims which follow.